The long-delayed review of the country’s Mining Act is back on track after being put on hold for nine years, says Mineral Resources Minister Filimoni Vosarogo.
Mr Vosarogo said the initial decision to modernise the legislation was made in 2007, but progress stalled despite draft versions of a new law being developed and circulated among industry stakeholders over the years.
“The Act is very old and no longer reflects modern mining practices or today’s environmental standards,” he said.
Speaking to the media at Natewa in Cakaudrove, the minister confirmed that Government is now preparing to take the proposed reforms to the wider public.
Public consultations are scheduled to begin on March 9 and will run until April 18 in various parts of the country, in partnership with the Fiji Law Reform Commission.
He said the consultation period could be extended if there is strong public interest.
“There has been a surge in landowners wanting this law reviewed.
“It’s timely that we hear from the people about what the new mining law should look like before it goes to Cabinet and then Parliament.”
He said a decision on whether further rounds of consultations would be held would be made after the first phase concludes, signalling what could be a pivotal step in reshaping the legal framework governing the country’s mining sector.
